Transcript

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>> Swedes born after 1999, will now be a military target. The Nordic country set to reintroduce conscription to the armed forces next year. Reuters correspondent in Stockholm Daniel Dixon says, activity in the Baltic region is behind the move.>> It is of course Russia this is mainly about.

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After the Russian annexation of Crimea, and military activity, and warfare in Ukraine, states around the Baltic Sea has been increasingly worried. Sweden had ended compulsory military service in 2010. However, it's been facing a soldier shortage, with only 2500 new recruits a year, just over half of what it needs.

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The solution is for 4,000 young men and women to be called up for training in 2018 and 2019. Drawn from a pool of around 100,000 eligible youth, the small number means motivation will be a big part of who will be drafted.>> I have a hard time thinking people will leave Sweden or have to go to jail or anything to avoid military service.

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>> The Swedish public is expected to welcome the decision. Public polls showed the vast majority support conscription.